REVIEW: ALL THE STARS IN THE HEAVENS, BY ADRIANA TRIGIANI

 

 

Our story begins in 1917, when Loretta Young is a child named Gretchen, and has already begun her movie career.

Fast forward to 1934, and we meet a young novice named Alda Ducci, whose work in a home for unwed girls has come to an end because of rules she cannot follow.

Soon the priest has arranged for her to have a place in the home of Gladys Belzer, the mother of Loretta Young. She is the new assistant for Loretta.

The descriptions of Sunset House, where Loretta—and now Alda—live are the stuff of dreams. Hollywood dreams.

Loretta’s somewhat platonic relationship with Spencer Tracy ends just as she is ready to star in a movie with Clark Gable. Soon the two of them will be romantically linked.

All the Stars in the Heavens offered a glimpse of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the pages were filled with characters based on real people. A “factional” story, this one could have captivated me completely, but instead I found myself plodding along, wishing the story would move more quickly. Perhaps the story did not engage me because I expected too much…or perhaps because I am easily distracted these days. Many readers loved this book, so I am simply going to give it 3.5 stars, and recommend that potential readers consider the reviews of others before deciding.